November 6, 2011

In early October I began sending out applications to Universities for a Bachelors in Fiber Arts or Textiles. Whichever it fell under for that particular school. I chose three, that were boyfriend adjacent and in the mid-east of the country. I'm tired of the heat. I've received acceptance letters from all three. I spoke to my weaving instructor at Pima for advice on selecting a school, and which one would most likely be the best fit for me. I'm excited to be able to pursue my love of fibers and learn more. It seems like it will be a great opportunity for me.

October 3, 2011

My color choices this time certainly reflect my desire for leaves changing, and a chill in the air. Since I live in Tucson, Arizona I have a bit of a wait for fall weather. I went to the local yarn store instead of purchasing things online (it ended up being far more expensive this way). So it isn't something I'll be able to do again anytime soon. However, I wanted to do one really nice piece with really nice materials this semester, so I guess this is it. I hadn't intended on it though. I had a beautiful scarf in mind, but these colors are not that scarf. So I need to come up with a different idea here. My next scarf will follow my intended design. I just wanted to share the colors I came up with.

October 1, 2011

My first project is almost completed. I used the Handweaver's Pattern Dictionary and it was so very helpful. Learning to read the weave pattern in and of itself was interesting. I had to get help with that honestly. I was initially just looking at the images and picking the weave pictured apart to figure out how to do it. This project was done with a weave from the book, and a lot of David Bowie tunes. Entirely of cotton. I used seven different colors. It vaguely resembles plaid, but I wouldn't say it is.

It was intended to be a wrap but having neglected to account for my chest in the measurements, that is no longer the case. I plan to take it in on Monday and ask my instructor for some advice. She might be able to help me get it to still become a wrap of some sort.

At any rate, here is the process itself, in some poor quality pictures.

September 21, 2011

Over the summer I can to the realization that I wanted to pursue my love of fibers for a career. So I've start applying for schools and signed up to take Independent Fibers this semester. With my other classes and work, Independent Fibers seemed like the best way to go.

I decided that I need to experiment with color. I usually do blocks of bright colors. No fading, just one color, then another and I feel the need to branch out and try other things. I'm afraid to get too comfortable doing that all the time. I won't grow. I also purchased a book, The Handweaver's Pattern Dictionary, by Anne Dixon. It's pretty amazing. This is all done with a four shaft loom. I had no idea there were even so matter patterns. So I want to experiment with different patterns and colors. Then taking my weaving and making it into practical things, purses, little bags, wraps, towels. Anything really. I'm hoping I'll be good enough to be able to do this for a living.

July 25, 2011

While I never posted the first spinning wheel I purchased, I'll admit to making an error in judgement. It wasn't what I wanted. It required far more repair and financial investment than I could give, along with time I didn't have to fix it. It's lovely, but not for me.

The Great Wheel.

It's an amazing antique, but not one I can care for properly. I stumbled upon an add on craigslist for another spinning wheel in my price range ready to use. Enter, spinning wheel number 2.

It only required a driveband and after a few tries paired with the internet, I got that taken care of. I'm about to try it out for the first time. It should be interesting to learn. :)

May 4, 2011

I have been quite busy. No pictures yet. Since I'm working on so many things, school and work included that I haven't finished one of them yet :) I started working so, combined with school means a lot less fiber time for me. But, I can buy more supplies. So it's okay.

In the realm of knitting I started two projects, a headband with a bow, and a pair of socks. :) Both are looking great so far. I'm using some handspun for the headband.

I am almost finished weaving the hat for a family friend. I lost steam and energy at the halfway point and decided to work on it for a couple hours today. It's really progressed. :)

I've started two spinning projects. One is a large endeavor. I decided to spin enough Norwegian wool to make a sweater for my boyfriend. It's going to be pretty time consuming, but so far it's been a dream to spin up. The color is magnificent. I just hope I ordered enough fiber. He also surprised me with some silk fiber, remembering that I'd been wanting to try my hand at it, he ordered me some. <3 Very sweet. But, I didn't have a light enough drop spindle to spin it. So right up until 20 minutes ago, it's been sitting in my desk drawer, calling to me. It's amazing. It sticks to my super dry hands, but it spins so fine, I love it. I'll be quite busy spinning for a while. That's not even including the Lincoln top I still have over half the bag of. (I hate spinning it, it feels like doll hair).

March 1, 2011

During some random television free time, I started spinning some more yarn. I bought 8 oz. of Lincoln top roving. 2oz made 87 (ish) yards of yarn. I did find some Norwegian roving that looks absolutely amazing. $11.00 for 8 oz. Anyway :) I just wanted to share my handspun. It hasn't been dyed yet. I wanted to make another 2 oz and dye them together.

February 24, 2011

It truly feels like an eternity has passed since I was able to weave. I did spent two weeks removing rust and dirt from my loom. I know I should have done that when I first received it, but I was far too eager and short on time (I needed to make an Xmas gift) Better late than never. I had to replace screws, and in all reality, the reed needs replaced as well the near future. So that will also have to happen. But, until then, I can use the one I have. My next project is a baby hat, and then I should have more than enough warp on the loom for a lot of small projects or a single large project. :) It's going to be fun.

January 22, 2011

It's been a very slow month. My progress has almost been non-existent. But I have begun to acquire some handy tools. Well, just one so far. I got a little brass hook for threading and sleying. Along with that I got 12 mini-cones of yarn 600yds a piece. I am excited to get weaving. I have a list of potential pieces. Which is where the problem lies. I am trying to finish the little strap detail for my messenger bag, and it's like pulling teeth to work on it, let a lone finish it. I think it's because it's just a standard twill. While I am changing the direction with every color change it isn't holding my interest. But I'm still picking away at it. I'll there there, little by little. It will be finished.